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This guide helps you permanently delete your Apple Music account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.
How We Verified This Guide
Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts
Quick Information
Time Required
5 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Steps
5 steps
Official Resources
Official deletion guide from Apple Music
Additional Resources
Official privacy policy explaining data deletion and retention practices
Information about how Apple handles music listening data and privacy
Guide to managing Apple ID and associated services
Step-by-Step Guide
Export Your Playlists and Library
Before canceling, consider exporting or noting down your playlists, favorite songs, and library. While Apple doesn't provide a direct export, you can use third-party services like Soundiiz or manually note your favorites.
Tips
- •Screenshot your playlists for reference
- •Use third-party tools like Soundiiz to transfer playlists to Spotify
- •Note your favorite artists and albums
- •Download any purchased music from iTunes Store separately
Cancel Apple Music Subscription
On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Apple Music > Cancel Subscription. On Mac: Open Music app > Account > Manage Subscriptions. On web: Go to music.apple.com, click account icon, select Settings > Manage > Cancel Subscription.
Tips
- •You can use Apple Music until the end of your billing period
- •Downloaded music will become unplayable after cancellation
- •No refunds for unused subscription time
Warnings
- •Downloaded Apple Music songs will no longer play after subscription ends
Delete Apple Music Data from Apple ID
To remove listening history and preferences, go to privacy.apple.com, sign in, select 'Get a copy of your data,' then 'Delete data.' Select 'Apple Media Services' to delete Apple Music listening history and preferences.
Tips
- •This removes listening history but keeps your Apple ID
- •Downloaded music from iTunes purchases remain accessible
- •Your Apple ID stays active for other services
Remove Downloaded Music Files
On your devices, delete any downloaded Apple Music tracks to free up storage. On iPhone/iPad: Music app > Library > Downloaded > Edit > Remove. On Mac: Music app, select songs, right-click, 'Delete from Library.'
Tips
- •This only affects Apple Music streaming content, not iTunes purchases
- •Check storage settings to verify music is removed
- •Downloaded files become unplayable after subscription ends anyway
Confirm Cancellation
After canceling, you'll receive a confirmation email from Apple. Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period, then automatically ends. You can verify cancellation status in Subscriptions settings.
Tips
- •Save the cancellation confirmation email
- •Check Subscriptions to verify it shows as 'Expires on [date]'
- •You won't be charged again after the current period
- •Can resubscribe anytime in the future
Warnings
- •All playlists and library will be deleted when subscription ends
Important Warnings
All Playlists and Library Permanently Deleted
Downloaded Music Becomes Unplayable
Cannot Transfer Playlists to New Account
Listening History and Recommendations Lost
iTunes Match Affected If Combined
Family Sharing Members Lose Access
Alternatives to Consider
Switch to Apple Music Voice Plan
Downgrade to the cheaper Voice Plan ($4.99/month) which offers Siri-only access to Apple Music. This reduces costs while maintaining access to the music catalog.
Pros
- •Significantly cheaper than regular plan
- •Keep access to full music catalog
- •Playlists and library preserved
- •Still commercial-free
Cons
- •Siri-only control (no manual browsing)
- •No lossless or spatial audio
- •No lyrics display
Transfer Playlists to Spotify or YouTube Music
Use services like Soundiiz, TuneMyMusic, or Freeyourmusic to transfer your Apple Music playlists to Spotify, YouTube Music, or other streaming services before canceling.
Pros
- •Keep your curated playlists
- •Try different streaming services
- •Often similar or better pricing
- •No loss of music organization
Cons
- •Transfer services may require payment
- •Some songs may not transfer perfectly
- •Learning curve with new platform
Pause Subscription Instead of Canceling
Some regions allow pausing subscriptions. Simply cancel and don't resubscribe immediately. Your data stays in Apple's system for a grace period if you return.
Pros
- •Can resubscribe easily
- •May retain some data if you return quickly
- •No commitment to permanent cancellation
- •Test life without the service
Cons
- •Data retention not guaranteed
- •Still lose access immediately after period ends
- •May receive resubscription prompts
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Apple Music > Cancel Subscription on iPhone/iPad. On Mac, use Music app > Account > Manage Subscriptions. On web, visit music.apple.com settings.
References & Citations
- [1]Apple Privacy Policy
Official privacy policy explaining data deletion and retention practices
https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
- [2]Apple Music and Privacy
Information about how Apple handles music listening data and privacy
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204881
- [3]Manage Your Apple ID
Guide to managing Apple ID and associated services
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201274
All citations verified as of 11/8/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.
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Critical Warnings
All Playlists and Library Permanently Deleted
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Downloaded Music Becomes Unplayable
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Cannot Transfer Playlists to New Account
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Last Updated
November 8, 2025